Business Directory

from Western Weekender July 22 2022

by Western Sydney Publishing Group

Weekender Living

PANTHERS V SHARKS

16 pages of NRL. See centre pull-out.

Aliyah Nasio (top row, third from the left) is a member of the Australian Schoolgirls Open Sevens Merit Team.

Our slice of sporting history

NATHAN TAYLOR

Penrith continues to make more sporting history, with Caddens teenager Aliyah Nasio becoming the first local rugby player to be named in the Open Schoolgirls National Merit 7s Team.

The talented 16-year-old from the Western Raptors was selected in the prestigious side after representing New South Wales at the 48th Australian Schools Rugby Championships earlier this month.

Held at Knox Grammar College in Wahroonga, teams from around the country took part with Aliyah’s NSW Opens team going through the entire tournament undefeated.

Following the four-day carnival, a presentation was held where Aliyah learned of her selection in the Open Schoolgirls National Merit 7s Team.

“I felt so proud, not only for myself because I worked so hard to achieve this honour, but also for my family – especially my Mum who has sacrificed so much getting me to games and training sessions. Without her this wouldn’t have been possible,” Aliyah told the Weekender.

Making the moment even more special for the Year 11 Kingswood High School student is she becomes the first player from the Penrith area to make the team – not bad for someone whose only been playing rugby for a touch on three years.

“For an area like Penrith that isn’t a big rugby union area, it is such a great honour,” Aliyah admitted.

“I must thank the Australian 7s set-up at Rugby AU, where I have been in the system for over a year now. They’ve helped developed my skill, speed, and work ethic to go to this level I’m at right now.”

But it isn’t just rugby union Aliyah is successful at, she’s also reaching great heights in rugby league.

Aliyah’s been playing with the St Marys club since she was five-years-old and has even recorded some unique history with them also.

“I was the first ever female to get my 10-year service up for my club, and also the first girl to make the Sydney West Schools Rugby League Team in primary school, which I was then playing in a boys team,” Aliyah said.

“I am going through the same selection criteria at the moment for the U16s NSW Schools Rugby League Team, and hopefully I can make that side as well.”

Whether it’s rugby union or rugby league, Aliyah Nasio is a name you will be hearing plenty of in the next few years, there’s no doubt about that.

“I want to go as far as I can. And with hard work and the support of my family, the sky’s the limit,” she said.

WW43922

Spreading right message

Wanderers get behind campaign to encourage fans to tackle COVID and flu

NATHAN TAYLOR

With COVID and flu cases soaring this winter, the Wanderers have teamed up with the NSW Government to help keep safety front of mind for western Sydney communities.

The partnership features Wanderers A-League star Tomislav Mrcela as well as members from the Wanderers community to deliver important health messages to football fans in English as well as Croatian, Arabic, Mandarin and Sudanese (Ma’li).

NSW Minister for Multiculturalism Mark Coure said the campaign taps into the power of sport to connect with people on the need to help protect themselves from illness.

“Everyone looks up to sports stars no matter their background or the language they speak, which is why this partnership is so important,” he said.

“When people see someone like Tomislav doing the little things to keep himself fit, healthy and safe they will want to do the same. This is especially important for younger people who aspire to be like him on and off the football field.

“To have these messages communicated in multiple languages too is a great way to make sure everyone can be engaged with during the campaign and showcase that sport truly can be a powerful way to unite and bring people from all different backgrounds together.”

Wanderers CEO Scott Hudson said the team was pleased to be partnering with the State Government to speak directly with passionate football fans about the importance of staying safe this winter.

“The Wanderers represent a multicultural and diverse region, so it is very important for us to be able to assist in helping our community and encouraging them to take the simple steps to reduce our risk of illness,” he said.

The videos, which were released on social media last week, encourage football fans to be team players and practise safe behaviours like staying up to date with COVID-19 and flu vaccinations, staying home when unwell and wearing a mask in crowded places.

Mrcela said he was proud to be featured in the video.

“As leaders in our western Sydney community, it is very important that we play a role in raising awareness of current health messages that affect our loyal members and fans,” the defender said.

“I am proud to be part of the NSW Government’s Little Things campaign and hope that it can help protect our loved ones.”

The campaign has been translated into 22 languages and highlights the simple steps people can take to help reduce the risk of illness and to protect loved ones and local communities. For more information about vaccinations, visit nsw.gov.au.

Wanderers star Tomislav Mrcela is the face of the campaign.

WE CARE | ABOUT YOU | YOUR CAR | YOUR SAFETY

FAMILY BUSINESS EST. 1988 ANGUS CAR SERVICE FREE REGO CHECK WITH EVERY SERVICE CODE WORDS: “FREE REGO”

Looking for a new Mechanic?

• Professional & friendly • Multi-award-winning business • Servicing, repairs, rego’s, baby seat installation • Complimentary/free hand car wash, courtesy car & pick-up & drop-off available with every service